Apparatus for hydrostatic testing

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for hydrostatic testing of items containing flanged openings and which items require periodic pressure testing, such as flanged pipe sections, flanged pipelines, flanged hose assemblies, as well as other flanged equipment requiring periodic pressure testing. The apparatus is clamp-like and is comprised of multiple circular plates that are designed and arranged to hold a blind flange against the flange of the item to be tested. One of the circular plates contains a circular cavity into which the blind flange can be stored when the apparatus is not in use.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 15/407,558 file Jan. 17,2017 now U.S. Pat. No. 10,428,981.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an apparatus for hydrostatic testing ofopenings in items surrounded by a flange, such as flanged pipe sections,flanged pipelines, flanged hose assemblies, as well as other flangedequipment requiring periodic pressure testing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In most industrialized areas of the world, vast quantities of fluids aretransported, stored, handled, and processed through flanged conduits andequipment such as flanged pipelines, flanged piping, and flanged hoseassemblies. For example, process and power piping and pipelines arecommonly comprised of a plurality of flanged pipe sections securedtogether at their flanged ends with use of a suitable securing means,such as by use of a plurality of bolts or nuts and bolts. Non-limitingexamples of fluids that are transported through flanged conduits andequipment include crude oils, lubricating oils, natural gas,transportation fuels, as well as a variety of petrochemical feedstockand product streams, slurries, industrial gases, food products,pharmaceuticals, etc. Further, such flanged conduits are often ofconsiderable length and can extend for many miles over all types ofgeographic terrain.

A substantial fraction of pipelines today is located underneath bodiesof water and are often subjected to saltwater environments. Piping andpipeline integrity and safety are of utmost concern since many of thesepipelines, process equipment, and related piping in use today arecontinuously filled with valuable and potentially hazardous fluids, someof which can be lethal, explosive, highly flammable, or highly reactiveunder inordinately high pressures and temperature combinations.Consequently, sections of traditional piping, including pipingmanufactured for use for these pipelines, as well as related flangedequipment such as pressure vessels and heat exchangers, etc., aregenerally required to undergo both initial testing at the time offabrication, alteration, or repairs and subsequent periodic hydrostatictesting. This testing is performed under the constraints dictated by thespecific industry, piping system Code to which it is designed, thecustomer, as well as constraints that are required by various governingbodies, including in some instances sound engineering judgment. One suchspecification that is required is that the pressure integrity of thepiping and/or pipeline and related flanged equipment is ensured beforebeing placed into service and throughout the intended use and commerciallifetime.

Hydrostatic testing generally requires that each end of a flanged itemto be tested be sealed against an applied testing pressure withoutleaking during the duration of the test. The flanged item to be testedis typically filled with a liquid under pressure, such as water, or insome instances an inert gas, such as nitrogen. Customarily, a blindflange of the testing apparatus is bolted onto the flange at each end ofthe flanged item to be tested. The connecting flanges are then typicallybolted together using code required torque sequences of the bolting toensure that at least one sealing gasket between flanges is fullyenergized and capable of resisting the hydrostatic end pressure duringtesting and any applied external loads. Depending on the size of theflange and the selected pressure, from about four to dozens of bolts perset of flanges can be required. Securing and torqueing these bolts is anextremely laborious, repetitive, and time-consuming process that cantake up to several hours to one or more days to simply prepare a singleflanged connection for hydrostatic testing. Therefore, there is a needin the art for an apparatus that will substantially reduce the time andcosts of performing hydrostatic testing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

1. An apparatus for sealing a flanged opening, which apparatus iscomprised of:

a) a circular rear plate section having an elongated slot for receivinga flange of a flanged opening to be sealed wherein said elongated slotis a U-shaped slot extending from the perimeter of said rear plate topast the center so that when a flanged opening is received by saidelongated slot said flanged opening is positioned substantially at thecenter of said rear plate;

b) a front circular plate section having a front face and a rear faceand having a through-hole at its' center for receiving a shaft capableof longitudinal movement, wherein there is also provided, at its center,a circular cavity having a diameter and depth capable of receiving theblind flange of d) for this claim;

c) an elongated shaft extending through said through-hole, said shafthaving a first end and a second end which first end extends through saidthrough-hole;

d) a blind flange having a first face and a second face, which secondface is secured at its center to said first end of said elongated shaft,and wherein said front circular plate also contains a circular cavityfor receiving said blind flange when retracted;

e) a C-shaped middle section, which middle section is located betweenand is connected to said circular rear plate section and to said frontcircular plate section wherein said C-shaped middle section is of athickness that provides a space between said circular rear plate sectionand said front circular plate section such that it is capable ofreceiving the flange of the flanged opening to be sealed and forreceiving said blind flange and having sufficient room for thelongitudinal movement of said blind flange in and out of contact withthe flange of the flanged opening to be sealed, and wherein saidC-shaped middle section has substantially the same circumferentialdiameter as said circular rear plate section and said circular frontplate section, and wherein the open section of said C-shaped middlesection is of a size sufficient for receiving the flange of the flangedopening to be sealed;

f) an actuator secured to said circular front plate, which actuator, iscapable of horizontally moving said shaft and blind flange so that saidblind flange can be moved in and out of contact with said flange of theflanged opening to be sealed; and

g) a fluid passageway extending through the longitudinal center of saidelongated shaft and through the center of said blind flange whichpassageway is capable of allowing a fluid to be freely moved throughsaid elongate shaft and through the center of said blind flange.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided anannular sealing material between said blind flange and the flange of theflanged opening and wherein the diameter of said annular shaped sealingmaterial is greater than the diameter of said opening to be sealed butsmaller than the diameter of said blind flange.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention the rear platesection, the front circular section and said middle section are separatesections secured together by a securing means.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention said rearplate section, said front circular section and said middle section aremanufactured as a single unitary item.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention the singleunitary item is manufactured by a process including forging, casting,extruding, or machining.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention the shaft andblind flange is operated by an actuator.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention the actuator ispowered manually, pneumatically, hydraulically, magnetically, orelectromagnetically.

In still another preferred embodiment of the present invention there isprovided hydrostatic testing equipment fluidly secured to said shaft.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 hereof is an elevated perspective view of the front of apreferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing ageneric actuator means (54) for advancing and retracting a blind flange,(also sometimes referred as a blind plate), in and out of sealingcontact against the face of the flange of the flanged item to be tested.

FIG. 2 hereof is an elevated perspective view of the rear face of thepreferred embodiment of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 hereofshowing a blind flange (16) having an O-ring (34) partially embedded ina corresponding annular groove, which O-ring is capable of establishinga substantially leak-proof pressure-seal when pressed against the flangeof a flanged item to be tested. Also illustrated in FIG. 2, indicated bydashed lines, is cavity C, which is circular, and which is set into therear face of the front section for receiving a protecting the blindflange to protect it during the resting procedure.

FIG. 3 hereof is an elevated perspective front view of a preferredapparatus of the present invention, but showing a jackscrew assembly asa manual actuator means for advancing and retracting the blind flangeinto and out of a sealing contact against the flange of an item to betested.

FIG. 4 hereof is a side view of the preferred embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3 hereof showing the blind flange 16 retracted into cavity C whenthe blind flange is not engaged against a flanged opening of a flangeditem to be tested.

FIG. 5 hereof is the same side view as illustrated in FIG. 4 hereof, butshowing a blind flange 16 engaged and secured, against the flange 38 ofa flanged pipe to be tested, thus forming a liquid-tight seal. Blindflange 16 is shown extended out of cavity C.

FIG. 6A hereof is an elevated perspective view of the apparatusillustrated in FIG. 3 hereof being slipped over the flange of a flangedpipe to be hydrotested. The two dashed lines ending with arrowsindicates movement of the apparatus of the present invention beingmaneuvered into place over a flange.

FIG. 6B hereof is an elevated perspective view of the apparatusillustrated in FIG. 3 hereof, that has already been slipped into placeonto the flange of a flanged item to be tested. This Figure also showsthe blind flange being manually activated by use of a lever that isrotated to advance a jack screw thus engaging a blind flange against theflange of the flanged item to be tested.

FIG. 7 hereof is a side view of a preferred apparatus of the presentinvention for manual operation, and showing hydrostatic testingequipment attached to the extended front end of a jackscrew and having ahollow passageway (conduit) though its length and extending through thecenter of the blind flange for allowing test fluid to be conducted intoand out of the flanged item being tested. Also shown are two O-rings anda blown-up view the section of the blind flange showing one of theO-rings. This blown-up view shows the details of the O-ring 34 set incorresponding groove 34 a. Cavity C is not shown in this figure.

FIG. 8 hereof is a side view of a preferred apparatus similar to thatshown in FIG. 7 hereof, but wherein the blind flange is operated by ameans other than manually, which means can include a hydraulic means, apneumatic means, an electromechanical means, or a magnetic means. CavityC is not shown in this figure.

FIG. 9 hereof is an elevated perspective view of the front of apreferred embodiment of the present invention, similar to thatillustrated in FIG. 2 herein, but wherein the front section, the spacersection, and the rear sections are not individual component partssecured together, but are sections, or areas, of a single unitary piecethat is manufactured by a method such as forging, casting, extruding, ormachining. Cavity C is shown recessed into the back surface. Cavity Ccan be recessed into the back surface by any suitable method dependingon how this embodiment is manufactured. Non-limiting examples of suchmethods include machining, molding, and forging.

FIG. 10 hereof is an elevated perspective view of the rear face of apreferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present inventionillustrated in FIG. 9 hereof and similar to the illustration of FIG. 1hereof, but wherein the front section, the spacer section, and the rearsections are not individual component parts secured together, but aresections, or areas, of a single unitary piece that is manufactured by amethod such as forging, casting, extruding, or machining.

FIG. 11 hereof is a side view of the apparatus of FIGS. 9 and 10 hereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

A substantial fraction of flanged conduits and equipment carrypotentially hazardous fluids, often at elevated temperatures andpressures. Because safety is of upmost importance such flanged conduitsand equipment must to tested before, as well as during, industrial use.The primary testing used for such flanged items is pressure testing,also referred to as hydrostatic testing or hydrotesting. Both terms canbe used interchangeably herein. It will be understood that the terms“flanged item”, “flanged opening”, and flanged equipment can also beused interchangeably herein. Non-limiting examples of such flanged itemsthat are typically required to be pressure tested include piping,pipelines, hoses, pumps, compressors, mixers, boilers, tanks, pressurevessels, heat exchangers, and the like. Such flanged items typicallycome under numerous regulatory and governmental safety compliancerequirements as well as design and fabrication Code criteria. As such,hydrotesting of flanged piping systems, pipelines. as well as relatedflanged components and equipment are required to be hydrostaticallytested under statutory mandates and codes such as the ASME Boiler &Pressure Vessel Code, related Piping Codes, including local and stateordinances, as well as industrial standards. Hydrostatic testing isfound in industries and uses such as, but not limited to, high-pressuresuperheated power steam generation, utility steam generation, offshoreoil and gas, petroleum exploration, chemical process, petro-chemicalprocess, petroleum refinery, pharmaceutical, pipelines, buildingconstruction, military, petroleum liquid and gas storage tank farmfacilities, ship loading and unloading docks, railcar loading andunloading facilities, etc.

Conventional hydrostatic testing typically comprises closing both endsof a flanged item to be tested with a device designed and intended toresist the applied hydrostatic test pressure at the specified pressureand test temperature, and which is compatible with the test fluid. Blindflanges are conventionally used to close both ends. For example, one endis closed using a blind flange having a means for allowing the releaseof a fluid, such as air, which is displaced when the test fluid, such aswater, is introduced. The other end, which will also be closed using asecond blind flange, but having attached thereto equipment to introducethe test fluid into the flanged item to be tested and equipment tomeasure pressure fluctuations, if any, during testing.

At least one gasket is affixed, or inserted, between each of the blindflanges and the flanges of the item to be tested. Gaskets suitable forsuch use can be made from any suitable sealing material. Non-limitingexamples of such suitable sealing materials include metallic materials,elastomeric materials, non-asbestos fiber-based materials, and graphitematerials. Further, the gaskets can be of a variety of configurationsdepending on the flanged item to be tested. Non-limiting examples ofsuch configurations include full faced, inner bolt circle, segmented,and spiral wound, all of which are well known in the art. Preferredspiral wound gaskets are typically made by winding a metal strip,usually a stainless steel, and a softer filler material such as graphiteor PTFE. It is preferred to use multiple O-rings, preferably comprisedof an elastomeric material. The O-ring, or any other gasket in the formof a ring, will have a diameter greater than the diameter of the openingof the flanged item to be tested. It is also preferred that the O-ringsbe embedded within matching grooves annularly positioned on the sealingface of the blind flange, as illustrated in FIG. 7 hereof.

The apparatus of the present invention secured to the testing end of theitem to be tested will include a means by which a test fluid, preferablywater, can be introduced into the flanged item. The introduction ofwater will displace air within the item which can be released into theatmosphere at either end of the item to be tested. For example, it ispreferred that the non-test end of the flanged item also have anapparatus of the present invention secured thereto so that displaced aircan be released through an outlet means attached to the apparatus. Atthat point, water will be turned off and air will be introduced to bringthe pressure up to the desired test pressure and hold it there for theduration of the test. The desired test pressure according to code, or aprescribed test pressure, which will typically be about 130-150% of thedesigned working pressure. Pressurization can be applied by any suitablemeans, but it is generally accomplished by use of a piston pump designedspecifically for hydrostatic testing. The piston pump can be powered byany suitable means, such manually or by pneumatic, electrical, orhydraulic means. It will be noted that hydrotesting can also beaccomplished using a broad array of industrial gases, preferably aninert gas, more preferably nitrogen. Water is the most preferred testingfluid. The flanged item being tested must not exhibit any observedleakage or pressure declination, except for incidental changes due toatmospheric temperature change or solar radiation exposure. Aftercompletion of the prescribed applied pressure and holding time, pressureis released and the equipment drained.

Preparation for conventional hydrostatic testing is extremely laboriousand costly, both in human resources and time needed to accomplish justthe pre-testing procedure. For example, depending on the nominal size ofa pipe, the system rated design pressure, and the test temperature,flanged connections can vary significantly in size, weight, and thenumber of stud bolts or traditional bolts, or bolt and nuts, required tocomplete the connection. The number of bolts and nuts can vary betweenabout 4 bolts and 8 nuts to about 60 bolts and 120 nuts, or more. Blindflanges can weigh between about 2 pounds to over 16,000 pounds dependingon the nominal size and pressure rating. As such, for the blind flangeto both energize the gasket and adequately resist hydrostatic end force,the flange bolting must be tightened in a methodical multi-step method.For example, ASME Code (ASME PCC-1-2013) requires that the bolting betorqued (tightened) using a six step, complex cross-pattern tighteningsequence methodology as follows:

Torque increments for cross-pattern tightening Install Hand-tighten then“snug-up” to 20 lb-ft (not to exceed 20% of target torque value). Checkflange gap around circumference for uniformity. If the gap around thecircumference is not reasonably uniform, make the appropriateadjustments by selective tightening before proceeding. Round 1 Tightento 20% to 30% of the target torque value. Check flange gap aroundcircumference for uniformity. If the gap around the circumference is notreasonably uniform, make the appropriate adjustments by selectivetightening/loosening before proceeding. Round 2 Tighten to 50% to 70% ofthe target torque value. Check flange gap around circumference foruniformity. If the gap around the circumference is not reasonablyuniform, make the appropriate adjustments by selectivetightening/loosening before proceeding. Round 3 Tighten to 100% of thetarget torque value. Check flange gap around circumference foruniformity. If the gap around the circumference is not reasonablyuniform, make the appropriate adjustments by selectivetightening/loosening before proceeding. Round 4 Continue tightening thebolts, but on a circular, clockwise pattern until no further nutrotation occurs at the round 3 torque target value. Round 5 Timepermitting, wait a minimum of four (4) hours and repeat Round 4; thiswill restore the short-term creep relaxation/nut embedment losses.

Given the complexity of bolt installation and tightening requirements,as well as rigging, handling, and lifting very heavy components, theconventional procedure is expensive, extremely laborious,time-consuming, and dangerous. As previously mentioned, conventionalhydrostatic testing procedure can take from a couple of hours to one ormore days before the hydrostatic test can be initiated by filling theitem to be tested with the test fluid and the results observed andmeasured.

The apparatus of the present invention eliminates the need forinstalling and torqueing a plurality of bolts. Additionally, boltingstretches when tightened to energize a gasket to resist hydrostatic testpressure. Therefore, bolting used for conventional hydrostatic testinghas a relatively short life-cycle. Furthermore, bolting used forhydrostatic testing must also meet various Code metallurgical andprocurement standards, making it relatively expensive to stock andmaintain. There are myriad sizes and lengths required to be inventoriedfor carrying out testing. Further, the significant reduction in timeneeded to perform hydrostatic testing with use of the instant apparatusproportionally reduces safety risk exposure, costs, and enablesconsiderable enhancement of productivity. This allows substantially morepipes, hoses, and/or equipment to be tested in any given amount of time.The apparatus of the present invention is a quick-acting device that canbe installed in minutes as opposed to hours or days, and can besealingly energized in seconds against the flange of the flanged item tobe tested.

The instant apparatus can be fabricated from any suitable material thatcan withstand the hydrostatic testing pressures and temperatures, withan appropriate margin of safety. Non-limiting examples of such suitablematerials include conventional carbon steel, stainless steel, alloysteel, corrosion resistant steel alloys, aluminum alloys, copper-nickelalloys, and titanium. Also suitable are engineered light-weightaerospace aluminum alloys and forgings, in addition to machined plate,and/or round or flat bar stock typically possessing mechanicalproperties that significantly exceed that of most common carbon steelalloys.

Preferred materials are the 7xxx series alloys containing the additionof zinc in the range of about 0.8 to about 12 weight %. In particular,7075 and 7178 containing chromium, copper iron, magnesium, and manganeseadditions, including zirconium and titanium for forged components andhas a tensile strength of up to and including 88 ksi with acorresponding yield strength of 78 ksi. Other preferred aluminum alloysinclude, but are not limited to the 6xxx series alloys having a tensilestrength up to and including 58 ksi and a corresponding yield strengthof 52 ksi, containing magnesium and silicon additions of about 1.0weight % and are more easily extrudable than other aluminum alloys.Other preferred aluminum materials are the 5xxx series alloys having atensile strength up to and including 54 ksi and a corresponding yieldstrength of 41 ksi, containing the addition of magnesium in the range ofabout 0.8 to 5.1 weight %. The 2xxx series alloys include from at leastabout 0.5 wt. % Copper (Cu) to about 8 wt. % Cu and having an ultimatetensile strength of up to 72 ksi with a corresponding yield strength of67 ksi. All the above weight percents are based on the total weight ofthe alloy.

Another class of suitable materials are the chromium-molybdenumheat-treated alloys steels such as 4130, 4140, 4142, 4340, etc. withtensile strengths averaging 100-150 ksi and corresponding yieldstrengths averaging of 90 ksi. Also suitable are metallic materials thatinclude copper-nickel alloys, and in particular 70-30. Other preferredmaterials include high-performance nickel alloys such as alloy 600, 625,and 800 with tensile strengths of 85-145 ksi and corresponding yieldstrengths of 80-110 ksi.

It is also within the scope of this invention that lightweight,high-strength, fiber-reinforced composite materials that are typicallycomprised of a polymer or ceramic matrix that can be a polymericmaterial, or a ceramic can be used. The fibers of such materials aregenerally carbon, metallic, ceramic, carbon nanofibers, or a combinationthereof, that can be oriented in a desired orientation in the matrix toadd strength and to prevent de-lamination. Essentially, the presentinvention can be fabricated from any suitable metallic or non-metallicmaterial capable of meeting the required strength needed to resist thehydrostatic test pressure with a suitable safety margin. It is preferredthat the apparatus of the present invention be light enough to bemanually lifted (far less weight than a conventional carbon orstainless-steel blind flange) for the more commonly tested nominal pipesizes. Obviously, larger diameter and higher pressure rated flangesystem can require more than one person to deploy, or can require theuse of a hoisting device and lifting eyes. Irrespectively, use of theapparatus of the present invention significantly reduces test time,resources, and cost, while enhancing safety exposure to personnel whencompared to conventional methods.

The present invention is designed and intended to be deployed over anextremely broad range of flange designs, configurations, and materials,including but not limited to flat face, raised face, and/or ring joint,screwed, slip-on, socket weld, weld neck, and long weld neck. Thepresent invention can also be used with intermediate barrel, heavybarrel, equal barrel, lap joint, and orifice flanges for every pressureClass as dimensionally specified in ASME B16.1, B16.5, B16.24, B16.36,B16.42, or B16.47, and other industry standards such as applicableManufacturers Standardization Society (MSS) and ASTM specifications. Thepresent invention is intended to also be deployed on a broad array ofmilitary, proprietary, and hydraulic power flanges. Essentially, thepresent invention can be used on any flanged fluidic or pneumaticconnection germane to any industry, and which can be fabricated from anysuitable metallic or non-metallic material.

The present invention will be better understood with reference to thefigures hereof. FIG. 1 hereof is an elevated perspective front view of apreferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention which iscomprised of a slotted rear plate-like section 10 having a rearwardfacing flat surface 11 and front facing flat surface 13. The width ofelongated and U-shaped slot 15 of slotted plate-like section 10 is sizedsufficiently such that it can make contact with the outside peripheryand back side of the flange of a flanged item to be tested. It ispreferred that the flanged item to be tested is a flanged pipe or pipesection, such as that illustrated in more detail in FIG. 5 hereof. Thesize of elongated U-shaped slot 15 is not specific to the outsidediameter of the pipe to which the flange is attached, but is morespecific to the diameter of the area where the flange is secured,preferably by welding, to the pipe. This will allow the apparatus of thepresent invention to be positioned (slipped) over and securely clampedto the flange of the flanged item to be tested. There is also provided afront plate section 14, which is preferably circular, having at itscenter an annular opening (not shown,), which can also be referred to asa through-hole. The diameter of the through-hole will be of an effectivesize to allow unrestricted passage of axial actuator shaft, alsosometimes referred to herein as an elongated shaft which can be a pistonrod 2, and which in another embodiment of the present invention is ajackscrew 20 (FIG. 3 hereof). Said elongated shaft has a first end and asecond end which first end extends through said through-hole. There isalso provided a blind flange having a first face comprising at least onesealing means, preferably one or more O-rings, and a second face, whichsecond face is secured to said first end of said elongated shaft. Saidelongated shaft is capable of moving said blind flange longitudinally(back and forth) between slotted plate-like section 10 and front platesection 14. The actuator shaft will include a conduit, or passagewayopen from one end of the shaft to the other end of the shaft to allowfor a test fluid to be conducted there-thru into the flanged item to betested. A slotted spacer, or C-shaped middle section 12, is locatedbetween slotted rear plate-like section 10 and front plate section 14.Slotted C-shaped middle section 12 is of sufficient width w that definesspace 3 (FIG. 4 hereof) between these two plate sections. Width w is ofa sufficient dimension so that blind flange 16 (FIG. 1 hereof) andflange 38 (FIG. 5 hereof) of a flanged pipe to be tested can fit withinspace 3 with enough room so that blind flange 16 can be engaged anddisengaged against the flange of the flanged item to be tested. It willbe understood that one or more of slotted rear plate-like section 10,slotted C-shaped middle section 12, and circular front plate section 14can be separate individual pieces secured to one or more neighboringpiece(s) by any securing means, preferably bolts. FIG. 1 to 8 hereofshow the embodiment of the present invention wherein all three sectionsare individual sections secured together. FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 hereofshow another preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein allthree sections are sections, or areas. of a single one-piece unitmanufactured by any suitable process, such as forging, casting,extruding, or machining.

Blind flanges are well known in the art and are typically comprised of asolid disk that can be pressed against a flanged opening to block andseal the opening. A suitable gasket material is typically positionedbetween the blind flange and the flange of the flanged item to be testedto form an adequate pressure seal. It will be noted that the apparatusof the present invention can be used at both ends of the flanged item tobe tested. For example, lengths of piping having a flange at both endscan have an apparatus of the present at each flanged end. It ispreferred that one end of the flanged piping have secured thereto anapparatus of the present invention that contains hydrostatic testingequipment, such as a pressure gauge and suitable valving to allow forthe introduction and release of air and testing fluids. The opposite endwill preferably have secured thereto another apparatus of the presentinvention. This apparatus at the other end will also contain an actuatorand actuator shaft was previously described herein, but it willpreferably also contain a valve to release air from the flanged item tobe tested when a testing fluid in introduced. Of course, the testingfluid used to pressurize the flanged item to be tested can be releasedfrom either or both ends.

Blind flange 16 can contain at least one gasket, preferably at least one0-ring, preferably embedded into a corresponding annular groove(s)machined, pressed, cast, or forged into the mating surface of the blindflange. This is the surface that will be sealingly pressed against thesurface of the flange of the flanged item to be tested to create anadequate seal against test pressures. While a conventional blind flangewill typically include mounting holes around its perimeter to enable itto be secured to the flange of the flanged item to be tested, blindflange 16 of the present invention will not have such holes. It willinstead be activated against the flange of the flanged item to be testedby advancing the actuator shaft 2 or 20 so that a gasket, which willpreferably be one or more O-rings (34 of FIG. 2 hereof) can be energizedagainst the surface of the flange of item to be tested.

FIG. 1 hereof also shows an axial non-obstructed passageway 5 throughactuator shaft 2, or jackscrew 20, as applicable and through the centerof blind flange 16. Passageway 5 is used to conduct testing media, whichin most cases will be water and air, into and out of the flanged item tobe tested. It is preferred that the interior of the front or outer endof this passageway be threaded to allow for the attachment ofhydrostatic testing equipment, such as valves, manifolds, quick connectfittings, pressure gauges, etc. Non-limiting examples of preferredtesting equipment include a pressure gauge, a fill valve, and a ventvalve, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 hereof. FIGS. 7 and 8 also show a pipenipple, or quick-connect coupling device, both of which are well knownand accepted in the art.

An actuator means is provided for supporting and actuating actuatorshaft 2 in both longitudinal directions to engage and disengage blindflange 16 against the flange of the item to be tested. Unlimitedexamples of such actuator means include manual, hydraulic, pneumatic,electrical, and/or a magnetic actuator cylinder 54 or housing, orflanged mechanical jackscrew nut 18 (FIG. 3 hereof) secured to circularplate 14 by use of any suitable securing device, preferably bolts 26. Itwill be understood that jack screw nut, or hub, 18 can be integrallymanufactured with circular plate 14 into a single unit, or attached bymeans of a press fit or screw threads. FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8A, 8B and 9hereof show activating rod 2 as a jack screw which can be manuallyturned by use of lever 30 to position blind flange 16 against a flangeof the flanged item being tested and locked into place by means of lever36. It will be noted that although O-rings are not shown in some of thefigures hereof a sealing means of any suitable type will need to beprovided before any flanged item to be tested is pressurized fortesting.

Jack screws are well known in the art and are generally defined asscrews that can be turned to adjust the position of an object into whichit fits. Such a means will be able to move blind flange 16 against thesealing face of the flange of the flanged item being tested and torelease it from the face of said flange to allow the apparatus of thepresent invention to be removed.

As previously mentioned, slotted rear plate-like section 10, slottedspacer 12, and front plate section 1 can be individual sections that canbe secured to each other by any suitable means. Non-limiting suitablemeans for securing any combination of these parts together include bolts17, or nuts and bolts, welds, adhesives, and or interference press fits.Preferred is the use of bolts of sufficient length to be screwed throughall three sections through matching bolt holes or having matchingthreaded bolt holes located around the periphery of each part. It iswithin the scope of this invention that these individual parts can befabricated as a single unit comprised of all three sections by anysuitable means, such as forging, casting, extrusion, or machining, orany other suitable technology. There can also be provided an optionalhandle 24 of any suitable design to aid in positioning and removing theapparatus of the present invention to and from the flanged item to betested. There can also be provided one or more lifting eyebolts (notshown) or lifting pad eyes (not shown) attached thereto by means ofscrew threads, welded, press fit, or through the use of adhesives,and/or integrally forged, cast, or extruded to enable the apparatus ofthe present invention to be positioned with use of powered liftingequipment.

FIG. 2 hereof is an elevated perspective back view of a preferredembodiment of FIG. 1 hereof, but also showing one preferred sealingmeans as an O-ring 34 comprised of a suitable sealing material,preferably an elastomeric or plastic material embedded in acorresponding O-ring groove around the face of blind flange 16 so that adesired portion of O-ring 34 extends an effective distance above theface of the blind flange to enable it to be compressed against thesurface of the flange of the flanged item to be tested to provide aleak-proof seal. It will be understood that more than one O-ring, orother type of gasket, can be used so that there will be multiple sealingsurfaces for uses with high pressure testing. For example, a flat gasketof suitable sealing material can be used between blind flange 16 andflange 38 (FIG. 5), of the flanged item to be tested. While anelastomeric material is preferred, the gasket or O-ring, can befabricated from a material such as vegetable fiber, plastic, etc. aspreviously discussed herein. Any sealing arrangement of the presentinvention can also fit into a packet of some other suitable form that isintegral with or machined into blind flange 16. This figure alsoillustrates cavity C which is provided to protect any O-rings fromdamage during use. Blind flange 16 is retracted in cavity C duringpositioning of the flange of the flanged item to be tested. Once inplace, the blind flange will be extended from cavity C and set againstthe flange of the flanged to be tested.

FIG. 3 hereof is an illustration of the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1and 2 but showing a manual means for actuating blind flange 16. Thismanual means includes a jack screw 20 and jack screw nut 18 which issecured to circular plate 14 by a plurality of bolts 26. As previouslymentioned, blind flange 16 is actuated and locked into place by use oftwo levers 30 and 36. Lever 30, is preferably secured directly to jackscrew 20, and is used to advance the blind flange 16 so that itsealingly presses against the face of flange 38, and in doing socompresses one or more O-ring seals or other gasket or sealing materialand energizing it such as to provide an adequate seal while beingconstrained in the O-ring groove or seal pocket. All such sealingmechanisms and devices are well known in the art. Lever 36, which issecured to lock-ring 41, which itself is secured to jack screw 20 bylocking screws 31, is used to lock jack screw 20 into place to preventinadvertent movement of blind flange 16 away from the flange of theflanged item being tested. Such a feature is considered desirable forsafety reasons, particularly while testing at high pressures and/orwhile using a gaseous test media. As such, the locking step is more ofan added safety feature to prevent back-slipping, but this embodiment ofthe apparatus of the present invention can be successfully operated withuse of only lever 30. It is preferred that both levers be used. It willbe noted that jack screw nut 18 contains a cutout 19 of suitabledimensions to allow levers 30 and 36 to travel clockwise andcounter-clockwise during engagement and disengagement of blind flange16.

FIG. 4 hereof is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 3 hereof andshows cavity 3 defined by the thickness w of slotted spacer section 12.This FIG. 4, as well as FIG. 5 hereof also shows a lock ring 41 which issecured to lever 36. This figure shows blind flange 16 retracted intocavity C for protection.

FIG. 5 hereof is the side view illustration of FIG. 4 hereof, butshowing flange 38 affixed to the pipe, hose, or equipment 40 to betested. FIG. 5 hereof shows blind flange in sealing contact with flange38 sufficiently to energize an O-ring or gasket seal (not shown) againstthe sealing face of flange 38. It will be noted that it is preferredthat portion of slotted rear section 10 that defines the slot has acurved edge 111 that will effectively correspond to the curves areawhere the flange is welded onto the flanged item, which will preferablybe a flanged pipe. This figure shows blind flange 16 extended out ofcavity C and against the face of the flange 38 of the flanged item to betested.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are simplified illustrations showing how a preferredembodiment of the present invention represented in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5hereof can be easily slipped into place over the flange of a flangeditem to be tested and secured in place. Individual parts of theapparatus are not labeled in these two Figures because all have alreadybeen identified in at least two previous figures hereof. FIG. 7 hereofis a more detailed view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 hereof,but showing the internal passageway 5 through jack screw 20 and throughthe center of blind flange 16, which passageway serves to deliver fluidinto the flanged item to be tested. FIG. 7 also shows a test manifold 42and conventional equipment used for hydrostatic testing which includespressure gauge 44, inlet valve 46 and inlet control handle 47, forcontrolling the flow of fluid into the item to be tested and outletvalve 48 and outlet control handle 49 for removing test fluid from theflanged item that was tested. It will be noted that in all figures jackscrew 20, which is just one embodiment of actuator shaft 2, willpreferably extend past the jack nut or actuator. FIG. 8 hereof shows anapparatus of the present invention similar to that shown in FIG. 7hereof, but where the blind flange actuator is preferably a cylindricaldevice 55 that is hydraulically, pneumatically, electrical ormagnetically operated. Such types of actuators are well known in the artand are used daily worldwide in myriad applications every day around theworld. Thus, no further discussion of such devices is needed herein forone having at least ordinary skill in the art to reproduce the apparatusof this invention.

FIG. 9 hereof is a representation of a single forged, cast, machined, orextruded unit comprised of the three integral parts, the slotted rearplate-like section 110, slotted spacer 120, and front plate section 140.As previously mentioned, such a single unit can be produced by anysuitable technique in the art. FIG. 9 hereof illustrates a single unitcontaining three sections 110 (rear slotted section), 120 (spacersection) and 140 (front plate section) which of course corresponds tothe individual parts of FIGS. 1-8. FIGS. 9 and 10 also show annularopening 90 for receiving activator rod 2 or 20 as well as treaded holes100 for receiving corresponding threaded bolts. This figure also showscavity C for receiving blind flange 16 as previously mentioned.

FIG. 10 hereof shows the opposite face of the unit illustrated in FIG. 9hereof. This figure also shows cavity C for receiving blind flange 16 aspreviously mentioned.

FIG. 11 hereof is a side view of the apparatus of FIGS. 9 and 10 hereofshowing curved edge 111, cavity C, space 3, and all three plate sections110, 120, and 140.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for sealing a flanged opening, whichapparatus is comprised of: a) a circular rear plate section having anelongated slot for receiving a flange of a flanged opening to be sealedwherein said elongated slot is a U-shaped slot extending from theperimeter of said rear plate to past the center so that when a flangedopening is received by said elongated slot said flanged opening ispositioned substantially at the center of said rear plate; b) a frontcircular plate section having a through-hole at its' center forreceiving a shaft capable of longitudinal movement; c) an elongatedshaft extending through said through-hole, said shaft having a first endand a second end which first end extends through said through-hole; d) ablind flange having a first face and a second face which second face issecured at its center to said first end of said elongated shaft andwherein said front circular plate also contains a circular cavity forreceiving said blind flange when the blind flange is retracted; e) aC-shaped middle section, which C-shaped middle section is locatedbetween and is connected to said circular rear plate section and to saidfront circular plate section wherein said C-shaped middle section is ofa thickness that provides a space between said circular rear platesection and said front circular plate section such that it is capable ofreceiving the flange of the flanged opening to be sealed and forreceiving said blind flange and having sufficient room for thelongitudinal movement of said blind flange in and out of contact withthe flange of the flanged opening to be sealed, and wherein saidC-shaped middle section has substantially the same circumferentialdiameter as said circular rear plate section and said circular frontplate section, and wherein said C-shaped middle section is of a sizesufficient for receiving the flange of the flanged opening to be sealed;f) an actuator secured to said circular front plate, which actuator iscapable of horizontally moving said shaft and blind flange so that saidblind flange can be moved in and out of contact with said flange of theflanged opening to be sealed; and g) a fluid passageway extendingthrough the longitudinal center of said elongated shaft and through thecenter of said blind flange which passageway is capable of allowing afluid to be freely moved through said elongate shaft and through thecenter of said blind flange.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein thereis provided a sealing material in the form of a ring between said blindflange and the flange of the flanged opening to be sealed and whereinthe diameter of said sealing material is greater than the diameter ofsaid opening to be sealed, but smaller than the diameter of said blindflange.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said ring of sealingmaterial is at least partially embedded in a corresponding groove on thesaid first face of said blind flange.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2wherein said rear plate section, said front circular plate section andsaid middle section are secured together by use of a suitable securingmeans.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said rear plate section, saidfront circular plate section and said middle section are integralsections of a single unitary piece that is manufacture from a singlepiece of structural material.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein saidsingle unitary piece is manufactured by a forging technique.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 5 wherein said single unitary piece is manufacturedby a casting technique.
 8. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said singleunitary piece is manufactured by a machining technique.
 9. The apparatusof claim 1 wherein said actuator is secured to said front circular plateby a plurality of bolts.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 which isconstructed of carbon steel.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein allthree sections are constructed of a stainless steel.
 12. The apparatusof claim 1 wherein all sections are constructed of a high-performancenickel alloy.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the high-performancenickel alloy is a copper-nickel alloy.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1which is constructed of an aluminum alloy.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1wherein the actuator is activated by hydraulic means.
 16. The apparatusof claim 1 wherein the actuator is activated by pneumatic means.
 17. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the actuator is activated by manual means.18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the shaft is a jack screw which ismanually operated.
 19. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the sealingmaterial is one or more O-rings embedded in said first face of saidblind flange.